From a small-town upbringing to the disciplined environment of a naval base, Whakatāne’s Danielle Moke-Kingi is already proving she can rise to the challenge.

The 18-year-old has graduated into the Royal New Zealand Navy after 16 weeks of intensive basic training in Auckland, joining 84 recruits who passed Basic Common Training intake 26/1 at Devonport Naval base on Saturday, a media release from NZDF said this week.

Now an Ordinary Combat System Specialist, Moke-Kingi said encouragement from an academy instructor helped set her on the path to the Navy.

“It was a challenge I was determined to accept,” she said. “I wanted to broaden my horizons, make my family and friends proud, and show there are options outside of your hometown.”

In her new role, Moke-Kingi will be trained to operate advanced radar and sonar systems, identifying ships, aircraft and submarines around a warship. She may also work with remote-controlled weapon systems used to defend naval vessels.

The 16-week basic training programme proved demanding, with recruits living in shared barrack accommodation. Moke-Kingi said adjusting to life alongside 12 other women was initially challenging.

“Learning to live with others in your personal space was always going to be hard at first,” she said. “But it became natural. You learn to work well together and form strong bonds.”

She credited her five years of school netball with helping develop teamwork skills that proved valuable during training.

Danielle Moke-Kingi at Devonport Naval base. Photo / NZDF

One of the standout moments came during the final “Range Week”, which included the Efficiency Cup competition between recruit divisions Achillies and Leander. The event tested teamwork, resilience and physical endurance.

“Completing what was one of our hardest weeks showed how much we had all grown,” Moke-Kingi said. “To make it even more special, our division won the Efficiency Cup.

“There were some tears shared between me and my close oppos when we saw our red flag flying. It was one of my favourite moments.”

Moke-Kingi said her time in the Navy had already shaped her discipline and attention to detail.

“You learn how actions have consequences and you become good at paying attention, even to the little things,” she said.

Her advice to others considering a military career is simple: stay focused and embrace the experience.

“There are times you question what you’re doing, but eventually it all makes sense. Just be switched on, take it on the chin with a smile, and give 100% every day.”

Moke-Kingi said an academy instructor encouraged her to join. It was a challenge she was determined to accept as it provided the opportunity to broaden her horizons.

“Also, I wanted to make my family and friends proud and show them that I can do this and there are a lot of options outside of your hometown,” she said.

As a Combat System Specialist, she will be trained to operate military radars and sonars to understand what ships, aircraft and submarines are in the vicinity of a warship. She could also operate remote-controlled weapon systems to defend the ship and defeat the enemy.

Ordinary Combat System Specialist Danielle Moke-Kingi at the Combined Graduation Parade at Devonport Navy Base. Photo / NZDF

The realities of 16 weeks of basic training, including barrack accommodation and sharing with 12 other women, were a challenge, although five years of netball at school had taught her about working as a team.

“Learning to live with others in your personal space was always going to be hard at first. But as training went on it became natural. You just learn to live and work well with each other, and you start to form bonds and get closer with your peers,” Moke-Kingi said.

A highlight of the course was the final Range Week, held during the latter stages of training. The week featured the prestigious Efficiency Cup competition, where the two recruit divisions – Achillies and Leander – competed against each other in a series of demanding challenges that tested teamwork, resilience, fitness and determination.

“Completing what was one of our hardest weeks of the course was one of my highlights, because it showed how much we had all grown together.

“To make it even more special, it was our division that won the Efficiency Cup. There were some tears shared between me and some of my close ‘oppos’ [shipmates] when we saw our red flag flying. It was one of my favourite moments.”

She said her family would likely notice her new and improved habits and mannerisms.

“You learn how actions have consequences and you become good at paying attention, even to the little things.”

Her advice to those thinking of joining was to pay attention and go with it.

“There are things that you wonder, why are we doing this, what is it teaching? Eventually you realise the why and how it makes sense. Just be switched on and take it on the chin with a smile and a ‘I get to be here’ mindset. And give 100% every day.”